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Monday, November 3, 2014 — Vol. 20, No. 257
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM REPORTS
Copyright (C) 2014 The Sports Xchange.
All Rights Reserved. Reprints, duplication or redistribution is prohibited without written permission from The Sports Xchange.
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BIG TEN WEEK IN REVIEW
INSIDE SLANT
Stage set for Ohio State-Michigan State showdown
The Big Ten game of the year is finally here.
Though there are four weeks left in the regular season, the Ohio State-Michigan State game on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET on ABC) will be for the East Division title and a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game in December in Indianapolis.
Not only that, but the winner remains alive for a shot at being one of the four teams selected for the inaugural College Football Playoff in January.
There will be plenty of hype leading up to the game — and rightfully so. This showdown might be the biggest game between Big Ten teams since the 2006 Ohio State-Michigan classic when the teams were ranked 1-2 in the country.
Michigan State (7-1, 4-0) will enter the matchup in East Lansing ranked No. 7 in the Associated Press poll. Ohio State (7-1, 4-0) is No. 13.
Spartans coach Mark Dantonio knows the polls will be important at the end of the year and believes a one-loss Big Ten champion should qualify for the playoffs, but that’s not his concern this week.
“I think the focus for our football team and myself needs to be on the next challenge, and that’s Ohio State,” he said.
The Buckeyes extended their Big Ten regular-season winning streak to 20 games with their 55-14 romp past Illinois on Saturday night.
The Spartans, who were off Saturday and had extra time to prepare for the Buckeyes, have a similar 13-game winning streak against Big Ten teams after a convincing 35-11 win over rival Michigan on Oct. 25.
Something has to give Saturday night. Last year, the Buckeyes were the team that succumbed in the big game.
Michigan State surprised Ohio State in the conference championship game a year when it won the now-scrapped Legends vs. Leaders format, knocking off the Buckeyes 34-24 to end their undefeated season and earn a shot at the BCS championship game.
Dantonio has ties to Ohio State, having coached under Jim Tressel and growing up in the state. He also recruits heavily in Ohio, so his players are well aware of the Buckeyes’ tradition.
Both teams have similar qualities. The offenses are balanced between run and pass and the defenses are stingy and talented.
All signs point toward the game being an instant classic.
“It’s all about the most prepared team,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. “That’s what’s going to win this game. And I don’t think there will be a whole lot of necessary — we’ll do our part about motivation, but this is a motivated team. And I think the most prepared team will win it.”
While the East race is clearly defined, the wide-open West appears to be getting wilder. Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa each have one Big Ten loss.
All four in the logjam will face the others starting Saturday when Iowa (6-2, 3-1) travels to Minnesota (6-2, 3-1) for the fourth time in the past five years.
Nebraska (8-1, 4-1) has a week off, which comes at an opportune time because it will give premier running back Ameer Abdullah time to recover from a knee injury that he suffered in a 35-14 win over Purdue on Saturday. The Cornhuskers travel to Wisconsin, return home to face Minnesota and go to Iowa for the regular-season finale.
Minnesota has four tough games remaining — home this week against Iowa and the following week against Ohio State and then finishing against Nebraska and Wisconsin. The Gophers, who were idle on Saturday, had momentum on their side until a deflating 28-24 loss at Illinois the week before.
Iowa, which thumped Northwestern 48-7 on Saturday, has trips to Minnesota and Illinois before finishing at home against Wisconsin and Nebraska. Wisconsin, a 37-0 winner at Rutgers this weekend, plays Nebraska and Minnesota at home and travels to Purdue and Iowa.
ILLINOIS (4-5, 1-4)
Game: Ohio State 55, Illinois 14. The Fighting Illini’s visit to Ohio Stadium was a disaster from the beginning. Quarterback Riley O’Toole threw an interception early in the first quarter that Ohio State turned into its first seven points. From there, it was an uphill battle all evening for Illinois, which fell behind 31-0 at halftime and 48-0 before scoring its first touchdown on running back Donovonn Young’s 5-yard run late in the third quarter to end the shutout. Four turnovers and a variety of mistakes proved insurmountable for the Illini, who have lost four of their last five games.
Takeaway: Coming off an upset win over Minnesota the previous week, Illinois hoped to be competitive against Ohio State, but the Fighting Illini were not in the same league. Quarterback Riley O’Toole struggled early, throwing two interceptions and completing just 4-of-11 passes for 58 yards. He was replaced by sophomore Aaron Bailey, who was slightly better (9-of-16, 79 yards, one touchdown; 39 yards rushing on 16 carries). The Illini offense managed just 243 yards, with 56 of those on a pass from O’Toole to freshman wide receiver Mike Dudek, to 545 for Ohio State. That was pretty much the story of the game. The loss leaves the Illini needing to win two of their last three games to become bowl eligible for the first time since the 2011 season.
Next: vs. Iowa, Nov. 15.
INDIANA (3-5, 0-4)
Game: Michigan 34, Indiana 10. Running back Tevin Coleman rushed for 108 yards to remain the only runner in the country with 100 or more yards in every game this season, but the Hoosiers managed only 191 total yards and 10 first downs and were dominated at Michigan. With its top two quarterbacks injured, Indiana has no passing game. Third-stringer Zander Diamont threw for only 24 yards and the Hoosiers trailed 17-0 at halftime and 24-3 after three quarters. The loss was Indiana’s 19th straight to Michigan and the 34th in the last 35 meetings.
Takeaway: The Hoosiers qualify as the season’s biggest disappointment in the Big Ten. After an impressive nonconference win at Missouri in September, Indiana has gone in the tank. Since quarterback Nate Sudfeld suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at Iowa on Oct. 4, the Hoosiers have not recovered. They have no passing game and now opposing defenses can focus on stopping running back Tevin Coleman, who entered Saturday’s game at Michigan with the nation’s best rushing average per game. He can carry the ball, but it’s too much to ask to carry the team on his back. To become bowl eligible, Indiana has to win three of its final four games against Penn State, Rutgers, Ohio State and Purdue.
Next: vs. Penn State, Nov. 8.
IOWA (6-2, 3-1)
Game: Iowa 48, Northwestern 7. The Hawkeyes, apparently eager to put a loss to Maryland behind them, pounced on Northwestern early, opening a 24-0 lead in the first quarter and coasting to a win at home. Running back Mark Weisman rushed for three first-half touchdowns and had 94 yards on 20 carries. Freshman running back Akrum Wadley made his season debut and ran for 106 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. The two combined for 200 of Iowa’s 221 yards rushing and the team’s 483 total yards. Quarterback Jake Rudock completed 12-of-19 passes for 239 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to wide receiver Tevaun Smith.
Takeaway: What was expected to be a close game turned into a rout during the first quarter. The Hawkeyes are hoping their performance is a springboard to a big finish in November. Iowa is one of four teams with one loss in the Big Ten West Division and faces one of those (Minnesota) next week on the road. Against Northwestern, Iowa relied on its strengths — running the ball and good defense — to post their sixth win. The Wildcats were held to 180 total yards and just 75 through the air. Iowa running back Mark Weisman saw the team that he expected at the start of the season. “We came out fired up and kept it going,” Weisman said. “This team has had the potential to do this kind of stuff all year, but we just weren’t executing. Today, we definitely executed.”
Next: at Minnesota, Nov. 8.
MARYLAND (6-3, 3-2)
Game: Maryland 20, Penn State 19. Brad Craddock’s 43-yard field goal with 51 seconds left sent the Terrapins to their first win in school history at Penn State and just their second ever in 38 meetings. Maryland became bowl eligible with the victory and holds third place in the Big Ten East Division in its first season in the conference. Defenses dominated the game, with Maryland gaining just 194 yards and Penn State finishing with 219. Maryland had only 33 yards rushing but held Penn State was 42 yards on the ground.
Takeaway: Coach Randy Edsall called the victory over Penn State his biggest in four years at Maryland. The Terrapins hope it’s the start of a rivalry. Maryland players tried to ramp it up before the game when its captains refused to shake hands with Penn State’s captains at midfield for the coin toss. Both sidelines emptied before order was restored. The Terrapins were hit with a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct on the opening kickoff. The tide turned at the start of the fourth quarter when Maryland kicker Brad Craddock converted from 25 yards and then the Terrapins recovered a fumble on the kickoff and scored on quarterback Wes Brown’s 1-yard run to put Maryland on top 17-16. Craddock came through again with the winning field goal after Penn State had reclaimed the lead. “This is a win that can make a big difference in a lot of different things,” Edsall said. “To come here, to get bowl eligible, to get this win.”
Next: at Michigan State, Nov. 15.
MICHIGAN (4-5, 2-3)
Game: Michigan 34, Indiana 10. The Wolverines put their struggles behind at least for one week in a win over Indiana, their 19th straight in the series and the 34th in the last 35 meetings. Quarterback Devin Gardner passed for two touchdowns and running back Drake Johnson rushed for two scores. The Wolverines jumped in front 17-0 at halftime on two touchdown passes by quarterback Devin Gardner and opened 24-point leads in the second half, when Johnson rushed for two scores. Johnson led all rushers with 122 yards on 16 carries. Michigan’s defense, meanwhile, limited Indiana to 10 first downs and 191 yards.
Takeaway: It’s strange to be talking about Michigan trying to win two more games just to become bowl eligible. But these are strange times in Ann Arbor. Athletic director Dave Brandon resigned last week amid controversy and coach Brady Hoke is fighting for his job. The players blocked out the distractions. For a change, the Wolverines handled an opponent, outgaining Indiana 404-191 yards. Quarterback Devin Gardner was efficient, completing 22-of-29 passes for two touchdowns with one interception. Michigan wide receiver Amara Darboh caught nine passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. To get to the six wins necessary to qualify for a bowl, the Wolverines will need two victories — against either Northwestern, Maryland and/or Ohio State — in their final three games. Whether or not Michigan reaches a bowl, it appears it might not be enough for Hoke to save his job.
Next: at Northwestern, Nov. 8.
MICHIGAN STATE (7-1, 4-0)
Game: Idle.
Next: vs. Ohio State, Nov. 8.
MINNESOTA (6-2, 3-1)
Game: Idle.
Next: vs. Iowa, Nov. 8.
NEBRASKA (8-1, 4-1)
Game: Nebraska 35, Purdue 14. Heisman Trophy candidate Ameer Abdullah left the game early with a sprained knee and the Cornhuskers pressed on for a win at home. Running back Imani Cross replaced Abdullah and scored touchdowns on runs of 2 yards and 1 yard and quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. ran for a score and threw a touchdown pass. Nebraska took sole possession of first place in the Big Ten West Division by a half-game over Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Coach Bo Pelini said after the game that he’s confident that Abdullah will be OK. The nation’s third-leading rusher finished with one yard. That affected the offense, which was averaging nearly 500 yards and managed only 297 against Purdue.
Takeaway: Without injured running back Ameer Abdullah for most of the game Saturday against Purdue, the Nebraska offense did enough to win and the defense kept Purdue, which had scored 31 points or more in three consecutive games, in check. The Cornhuskers forced three sacks and nine hurries and Purdue quarterback Austin Appleby into completing just 39 percent of his passes. Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong was not particularly sharp, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble to go along with 70 yards rushing and 118 yards passing on 8-of-21 attempts. “I’m embarrassed,” Armstrong said. “The way we played, we should have lost. I feel like I failed. We got a win, but we play a team like Wisconsin or Iowa, it’s not going to be pretty.” The Cornhuskers will get the chance to play Wisconsin or Iowa in the final three weeks of the season.
Next: at Wisconsin, Nov. 15.
NORTHWESTERN (3-5, 2-3)
Game: Iowa 47, Northwestern 7. The Wildcats lost their third straight game and were never in this one. They fell behind 24-0 in the first quarter and 38-7 at halftime, their largest deficit at intermission since 2010. Northwestern’s offense was held to a season-low 180 yards (55 yards in the first half) and just 75 through the air. The Wildcats gave up five sacks, lost a fumble and had a punt blocked in the first quarter that resulted in a touchdown. Quarterback Trevor Siemian completed only 8-of-18 passes for 68 yards against a stifling Iowa defense. Running back Justin Jackson provided the bulk of the offense with 96 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown.
Takeaway: The first half was a disaster for Northwestern. The Wildcats couldn’t move the ball, allowed Iowa to move down the field and committed a special teams blunder by allowing a blocked punt for a touchdown at the end of the first quarter that made the score 24-0. Northwestern’s only touchdown came early in the second quarter when Iowa botched a punt snap deep in its territory and running back Justin Jackson scored on a 1-yard run. “It just looked like we got down and then all of a sudden we tried to make too many things out of one play,” Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. “You can’t do that on the road against a physical football team.” The Wildcats still have a shot at a bowl, but it will be a tall order with three of their final four against Michigan, Notre Dame, Purdue and Illinois.
Next: vs. Michigan, Nov. 8.
OHIO STATE (7-1, 4-0)
Game: Ohio State 55, Illinois 14. After surviving a close call at Penn State, the Buckeyes blew out another overmatched opponent, dismantling Illinois on Saturday night in a game that was never close. Quarterback J.T. Barrett, who sprained a knee the previous week, played only a half and helped the Buckeyes build a 31-0 lead after 30 minutes. He completed 15-of-24 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Devin Smith. Backup quarterback Cardale Jones threw two touchdown passes in the second half to boost the Buckeyes past 50 points in an FBS-leading fifth game this season.
Takeaway: The Buckeyes are happy to have Illinois out of the way to focus totally on Saturday’s Big Ten showdown against Michigan State. “We usually have our coaches talk about who was good on O, D and ST (after the game),” linebacker Darron Lee said. “We skipped that. We know what’s coming up this week. It’s on. Honestly.” Ohio State’s offense was clicking against Illinois with 296 yards rushing and 249 yards passing. Quarterback J.T. Barrett played with a brace on his sprained knee and looked fine. Freshman Curtis Samuel (63 yards) started at running back ahead of sophomore Ezekiel Elliott (69 yards) and the two rushed for 132 yards. Defensive end Joey Bosa led a solid defensive effort with three tackles for loss, including two sacks to boost his Big Ten-leading total to 10.
Next: at Michigan State, Nov. 8.
PENN STATE (4-4, 1-4)
Game: Maryland 20, Penn State 19. The Nittany Lions lost their fourth straight game while continuing to struggle on offense. Penn State produced only one touchdown and four field goals against a Maryland defense that gave up 52, 31 and 52 points in its previous three games. The Penn State defense was stellar again, relinquishing only 194 total yards and just 33 on the ground. The Nittany Lions entered the fourth quarter with a 16-7 lead only to fall behind, go ahead again on Sam Ficken’s fourth field goal and then finally lose it on a field goal with 51 seconds left. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg was just 18-of-42 passing for 177 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Takeaway: After a 4-0 start, Penn State is running out of gas. They have two winnable games left against Temple and Illinois before finishing the season against Big Ten East Division leader Michigan State. It’s easy to see why the Nittany Lions are gasping for air. The offense is having trouble moving the ball, mainly because of the line’s shortcomings. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg got off to a good start this season but has been pressured more in recent games and his difficulties and frustrations are reflected in his passing numbers, completing just 43 percent against Maryland in the loss. The offense isn’t able to run the ball either, averaging a Big Ten-worst 77.1 yards per game.
Next: at Indiana, Nov. 8.
PURDUE (3-6, 1-4)
Game: Nebraska 35, Purdue 14. The Boilermakers limited Nebraska’s potent offense to 297 total yards and forced three turnovers but were unable to pull the upset Saturday on a windy day in Lincoln. Quarterback Austin Appleby’s 25-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter tied the score at 7, but Purdue fell behind 28-7 in the third quarter. Appleby who completed only 39 percent of his passes, added a 23-yard touchdown strike to Cameron Posey in the fourth quarter to make it 28-14. Purdue got the ball back in Nebraska territory on an interception but was unable to capitalize.
Takeaway: Purdue’s offense sputtered Saturday at Nebraska, but the Boilermakers are showing signs of overall progress. “We’re right there,” quarterback Stuart Appleby said. “Defense plays good and the offense comes up short. Offense plays good; defense comes up short. We’ve got to play together.” Purdue was hurt by two turnovers and the offense only converting on 2-of-16 third downs and 1-of-6 fourth downs. The Purdue offense finished with more yards (340-297) than Nebraska, whose yardage total was a season low. “I thought our defense played great. They really did,” Purdue coach Darrell Hazell said. “They were put in some bad situations.”
Next: vs. Wisconsin, Nov. 8.
RUTGERS (5-4, 1-4)
Game: Wisconsin 37, Rutgers 0. The Scarlet Knights were stymied Saturday by Wisconsin, managing only 139 yards and eight first downs. They never got close to scoring, advancing only as far as the Wisconsin 26-yard line late in the game. Quarterback Gary Nova, who injured a knee last week against Nebraska was 5-of-15 for 46 yards with one interception against the Badgers. Chris Laviano replaced Nova and was 2-of-12 for 17 yards. The shutout loss was the first for Rutgers in 147 games since the 2002 season.
Takeaway: Rutgers is in a serious rut, losing its last three games to Big Ten bullies Wisconsin, Nebraska and Ohio State by a combined 135-41. “I just left a really frustrated football team right now,” coach Kyle Flood said. “When you have a game like you did, when you have a three-game stretch like we have, I think that’s probably a good thing. We’ve got to get better.” The Scarlet Knights, who have been stuck on five overall wins for several weeks, get a week off to recover and regroup before facing Indiana, Michigan State and Maryland to close the regular season. They need one win to secure bowl eligibility.
Next: vs. Indiana, Nov. 15.
WISCONSIN (6-2, 3-1)
Game: Wisconsin 37, Rutgers 0. The Badgers won the way they normally do — strong running game and dominant defense. Running backs Corey Clement and Melvin Gordon rushed for 131 and 128 yards, respectively, and two touchdowns each. Gordon ripped off a 51-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and Clement had 43-and 36-yard scoring bursts. Gordon posted his sixth straight 100-yard rushing game in the Badgers’ third consecutive victory. Wisconsin’s defense held Rutgers to a season-low 139 yards and eight first downs in Piscataway, N.J. The conference road shutout was the Badgers’ first since 1998.
Takeaway: Wisconsin’s rushing offense gets plenty of attention behind running back Melvin Gordon, but the defense is making its mark. The Badgers lead the Big Ten in scoring defense (14.1 points per game) and total defense (253.8 yards per game). Wisconsin’s defense allowed Rutgers to advance no farther than the Badgers’ 26-yard line late in the game. The Scarlet Knights were held to 63 yards passing and 76 yards rushing. “I think that is the identity of our defense; we’re the underdogs,” Wisconsin linebacker Derek Landisch said. “We’re kind of the guys who don’t get talked about. We love that and we play with a chip on our shoulder and I think that’s what makes us better when we play with that effort and attitude.”
Next: at Purdue, Nov. 8.
NOTES, QUOTES
–Nebraska is optimistic that standout running back Ameer Abdullah will be OK after suffering a MCL sprain in his left knee in the first quarter of a 35-14 win over Purdue on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.
An MRI showed the sprain was mild and that the knee also was bruised. He was hit while trying to recover a fumbled snap on a goal-line situation.
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is hoping that Abdullah will be ready to play at Wisconsin on Nov. 15. The Cornhuskers have a bye next weekend to give Abdullah an extra week to heal.
“I’m optimistic,” Pelini said. “I can’t say for sure.”
Abdullah, who entered the game as the national leader in rushing yards, had one yard on six carries when he left the game.
“He’s maybe the best player in college football, so you’re going to miss him a little bit,” Pelini said.
–Maryland coach Randy Edsall apologized for his captains refusing to shake hands with Penn State’s captains during the coin toss before Saturday’s game in State College, Pa.
The players’ actions caused a skirmish before the game and resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at the start of the game for Maryland.
The Terrapins went on to post a 20-19 victory over the Nittany Lions.
“That is not who we are,” Edsall said. “Our emotions got the best of us, and we’ve got to be above that. So I just want to say … I apologize for that. Feel bad for that.”
Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson said, “We are extremely disappointed in the actions of our captains involved in today’s coin toss. Their behavior is not a reflection of how our student-athletes should conduct themselves in athletic competition. On behalf of President Dr. Wallace D. Loh, head coach Randy Edsall and myself, we extend our sincere apology to Penn State University president Dr. Eric J. Barron, director of athletics Sandy Barbour, head coach James Franklin and the Penn State football program.”
Penn State didn’t know what to make of the slight.
“Yeah, I actually went up to shake one kid’s hand,” Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg said, “and he just shook his head at me. … I think they tried to send a message. That’s not how we do it, but I think — I don’t really know what to think of it.”
Penn State coach James Franklin said, “I’ve never been part of that. Twenty years, I’ve never seen that before.”
–With injuries robbing Iowa of its running back depth, freshman Akrum Wadley played in his first game Saturday and became the Hawkeyes’ first 100-yard rusher this season, gaining 106 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown in a 48-7 victory over Northwestern.
Wadley split time in the backfield with senior Mark Weisman, who gained 94 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns.
Iowa running backs Jordan Canzeri and LeShun Daniels were sidelined with injuries and Jonathan Parker was hurt on the opening kickoff, creating the opportunity for Wadley to become the first Iowa back to run for 100 yards in his first game since Brandon Wegher in 2009.
“I’ve been having dreams about it, so when (coach Kirk Ferentz) told me to go in, I was like, ‘Wow, that’s crazy,” Wadley said.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “In the off-season, our strength coach, Coach Mick (Marotti), does a little bit of motivational stuff about how that was obviously the dream was ripped away from us, ripped away by a very good team, and we’re going to face a very good team that we have a lot of respect for.” — Ohio State coach Urban Meyer on Michigan State, this week’s opponent.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
FIVE BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM WEEK 10 IN THE BIG TEN:
1. The Big Ten’s best two teams are set to meet when Michigan State plays host to Ohio State on Saturday night. Since the end of last year, Nov. 8 was circled on the calendar as the big game in the Big Ten for 2014 — and that’s the way the season has played out. Talent at the skill position and in the trenches should make this one a real battle.
2. Wisconsin is coming on. After the Badgers inexplicably stumbled last month against Northwestern, they appear back on track after routing Big Ten newcomers Maryland and Rutgers the past two weekends. They’re in good position to win the Big Ten East Division, with home games against challengers Nebraska and Minnesota and a road trip to Iowa.
3. Nebraska’s ability to make a run at the Big Ten West Division title and a shot at the conference championship hinges on the health of talented tailback Ameer Abdullah, who suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s win over Purdue. The Cornhuskers still have only one loss and hope for a Big Ten title and CFB playoff berth.
4. Iowa is as up and down as the November weather in Big Ten country. The Hawkeyes looked dead in the water after losing at Maryland two weeks ago, but they resurrected Saturday with a 48-7 victory over Northwestern in a game that was expected to be a dogfight. Iowa dominated, but the question is whether the Hawkeyes sustain the momentum this week at Minnesota.
5. Maryland continues to show it’s capable of competing in the Big Ten. The Terrapins’ 20-19 win at Penn State made them bowl eligible. They’re in third place in the Big Ten East Division at 6-3, 3-2 and could realistically get to eight wins with remaining games against Michigan State, Michigan and Rutgers. It would be advisable, though, to stop the pregame theatrics that happened Saturday at Penn State.
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Monday, November 3, 2014 — Vol. 20, No. 257
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM REPORTS
Copyright (C) 2014 The Sports Xchange.
All Rights Reserved. Reprints, duplication or redistribution is prohibited without written permission from The Sports Xchange.
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